Andy Boyde

The first team to qualify for the Semi Final round of the British and Irish Cup are the battle worn Doncaster Knights. The 8th game in their draining run of 9 games in 27 days saw them defeat Pontrypridd at Sardis road, only the second team to win there in 2 years, and seal the Semi Final place with a game to go in the pool stages.

The 24 points to 11 win over the combative Welsh side was no cake walk, with two Knights falling to injuries Lynn Howells side fronted up to what at times seemed like a war of attrition with neither side giving any quarter. Doncaster only needed a win, but a brace from Andy Boyde supported by tries from Kettle and Flockhart gave them a 5 pointer meaning they had achieved a bonus point win in all 4 games they had played in this competition so far.
With the Semi Final draw being held on March 24th potentially live on SKY Doncaster must wait to discover the identity of their opponents for the weekend of April 24th or whether they face a home or away contest.

Although the Pool Groups conclude this Weekend Doncaster have already sealed the promotion spot from Pool D , Saturdays game at Clifton Lane v Rotherham titans is for pride only. With the other 3 Pools being so tightly contested Doncaster’s opposition could come from England, Ireland or Wales.

Pool A is currently topped by the Cornish Pirates, a side Doncaster have now defeated twice League competition , but with Newport also on 15 points and visiting Cornwall on the final day of the group stages either side could go through. Form would say Newport have the edge, but the Cornishmen hold home advantage at Camborne.

Pool B Has Munster with a clear lead at the top on 17 points and RFU Championship leaders nipping at their heels in second place. Bristol have a tough game to face at Nottingham while Bristol host bottom team Heriots of Scotland at the Mem.

Pool C London Welsh top the group with 16 on points difference only, Ulster Ravens still in a postion to qualify. Both sides will be visited by Welsh clubs this weekend as London Welsh host Llanelli and Aberavon make the trip over the water to play Ulster.

Pool D is a foregone conclusion, with Doncaster Knights taking maximum points from all 4 round despite a punishing schedule of games they will await the outcome of this weekend and the March 24th draw to survey who and where they will contest the Semi Final game.
Doncaster Knights are next at home on Saturday the 13th of March as they take on Plymouth Albion in the crunch clash to guarantee their promotion playoff place. You can get further information on the Knights double bid for glory on their website www.drfc.co.uk